Japanese café culture has evolved overtime, moving from the traditional kissaten to modern, pop culture-themed cafés. This shift gives us a great way to look at how Japan’s society has changed, including its consumer habits, cultural identity, and relationship with global brands. While local cafés used to be the main focus, today’s café scene mixes traditional Japanese styles with more modern trends. In this unique environment, global coffee chains like Starbucks now sit alongside traditional Japanese cafés. The way international coffee brands have become part of Japan’s café culture is an interesting example of how brands adapt to different cultures. Starbucks, for example, has found a way to blend traditional Japanese hospitality with pop culture, helping it build a brand that connects with local people. This study will explore the history of café culture in Japan and how it reflects the country’s changing social dynamics. It will examine how cafés have evolved alongside shifts in Japanese society, and how Starbucks has adapted to these changes. By looking at this evolution, this research highlights how Starbucks has successfully aligned itself with Japan’s café culture while remaining true to its own brand identity.
